26 - X-Wing: Rogue Squadron

We're joined by Hayley (of the Badvertising podcast) to begin the X-Wing series with Michael A. Stackpole's 1996 novel Rogue Squadron! Despite being a breath of fresh air after the long national nightmare that was KJA's tenure, can the book overcome its intensely unlikable cop protagonist and Stackpole's tendency to use English idioms with some nouns swapped out for Star Wars ones? Topics include Biggs Darklighter's family wealth built off exploiting non-humans on literal plantations, the restorationist fantasy of the New Republic, and Corran Horn denying women his precious bodily fluids in order to fly a spaceship better. Content warnings include discussions of slavery, misogyny, mentions of suicide, racism, xenophobia, and general physical violence.   -- MEDIA --